Statement by Torture Claims Appeal Board
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A spokesman for the Torture Claims Appeal Board (the Appeal Board) said today (September 14) that a personal laptop of a Board member was suspected of being stolen overseas. The member has reported the incident to the local police there. As the computer concerned contains personal data of some appellants of non-refoulement claims, the Appeal Board has submitted a data breach notification to report the incident to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD).
"According to the Appeal Board’s preliminary assessment, the incident involved the personal data of about 30 appellants who are pending hearing, and decisions which the Appeal Board already made and served on other appellants, which were stored in the laptop. The personal data include the names and nationalities of the appellants. The lost laptop does not contain other personal data of appellants," the spokesman said.
"The incident does not involve data of any Hong Kong residents. The stolen laptop is not a government property, and is not connected with any computer systems of the Appeal Board or the Government. Hence, no Government computer system will be affected. In addition, the Appeal Board will follow up with the affected persons as soon as practicable," the spokesman emphasised.
"The Appeal Board is highly concerned with this incident. The Chairperson of the Appeal Board has already reminded all members to strengthen the safety management of all personal data, so as to ensure that the relevant personal data is handled and protected properly. The Appeal Board secretariat has also commenced relevant work, including the provision of technical support to members to enhance the safety management of personal data."
"The Appeal Board has reported the incident to the Security Bureau (SB), and will submit a detailed report on the incident within two weeks as per SB's request. SB has also reminded the Appeal Board to attach great importance to the protection of personal data privacy through clear internal guidelines and various monitoring mechanisms, in order to ensure that all its members and staff would handle personal data in compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant legal provisions. The Appeal Board will also regularly remind its members and staff of the importance to handle personal data properly. Should PCPD make other recommendations to the Appeal Board on the incident, the Appeal Board will discuss with SB on the follow-up action," reiterated by the spokesman.
Ends/Friday, September 14, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:21
Issued at HKT 20:21
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